TEXAS DWI LAWS
Explanation from a Houston DWI Defense Lawyer
If you have recently been arrested for driving while intoxicated in or near Houston, it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with what the Texas Penal Code says about drunk driving and DWI laws. Houston DWI Attorney Herman Martinez of The Martinez Law Firm can provide you with some valuable insight when it comes to explaining the Texas drunk driving statutes as well as creatively applying them to your case. If you’ve been arrested, you have the right to representation. This firm can use the law to your advantage and defend you against the many penalties that could follow a DWI conviction. Call the firm today if you are facing a violation of any one of the following statutes.
Texas Open Container Law: § 49.031
According to this statute, it is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of the motor vehicle. This includes possessing a bottle, can or any other type of receptacle if the seal is broken in areas of the vehicle such as the glove compartment, truck, etc. A person can be pulled over and arrested for violating this statute if they were traveling on a public highway. This is a Class C misdemeanor.
Texas Driving While Intoxicated Law: § 49.04
According to the Texas Penal Code:
(a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d) and Section 49.09, an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours. (c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the person operating the motor vehicle had an open container of alcohol in the person’s immediate possession, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of six days. (d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that an analysis of a specimen of the person’s blood, breath, or urine showed an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more at the time the analysis was performed, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Texas Boating While Intoxicated Law: § 49.06
It is illegal not only to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, but it is also illegal to operate a boat or other type of watercraft while under the influence. This is charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
Texas Intoxication Assault Law: § 49.07
In Texas, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated and cause the injury of another person. This can be charged as a crime whether or not the assault was intentional. Intoxication assault can be charged when “serious bodily injury” has occurred, meaning that the victim faced a serious risk of death or the injuries caused permanent disability.
Texas Intoxication Manslaughter Law: § 49.08
According to this statute, it is a second degree felony to drive under the influence of alcohol and cause the death of another individual. This is intoxication manslaughter, often referred to as vehicular manslaughter.
Why contact a Houston DWI attorney for your case?
If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated, then you need to hire an attorney who has a firm grasp of the Texas statutes. The Martinez Law Firm is not only extremely familiar with the DWI laws in Texas, but also familiar with the Texas Courts, specifically, the Harris County courts. Our firm can use the statutes for your defense. If you’ve been arrested for DWI, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, you have the right to legal representation, and not just any legal representation. You can have access to one of the most skilled and effective Houston DWI lawyers by contacting this firm. Don’t wait!